Now hiding a terrible secret, Ali will certainly be one to watch over the coming months and here's eight spoilers revealing what happens next.

1. Ali gets quizzed by the police

ITV

Ali has already told the authorities that Ronan killed himself by pulling out the metal fence post he was impaled on after the big car crash. Corrie fans know that Ali actually forced Ronan to do it, aware that it would end his life and keep the Connors safe.

The big question now is how easy it'll be for Ali to stick to this story as the police launch a formal investigation. When fearsome DS Mackinnon comes calling at the Connor flat next week, she has questions for Ali about Cormac's death and Ronan's. We can't blame her this time, either – the bodies are piling up when Ali is around!

2. The police ask questions about the firearm

ITV

The key moment for Ali at the crash site came when he saw that Ronan had a gun in his car and was clearly planning to murder him, Ryan and Michelle all in one go. Realising it was just too much of a risk to keep Ronan alive, Ali made his deadly move.

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Next week, the police quiz Ali about the firearm found in Ronan's car but he denies all knowledge, claiming that he didn't see it. Will the police believe him?

3. Robert remains suspicious

ITV

You can't get much past Robert Preston, it seems. Mere moments after hearing about the nature of Ronan's death, it dawned on him that the story didn't exactly ring true and that Ali could be hiding something. Ten points to him!

Although Robert appeared to back down when Ali stormed off in a huff, he remains deeply suspicious of the doc's behaviour next week. Will he be the first to realise that Michelle's son is now a killer?

4. Michelle finds out about the gun

ITV

Michelle also has to face police questioning in the fallout, although she's pretty relaxed as she believes she has nothing much to worry about now Ronan is gone.

Still blissfully unaware of Ali's real role in what happened, Michelle is shocked when the police tell her that Ronan had a gun in his car. It dawns on Michelle how narrowly she escaped death (again), but will she make the connection and realise the lengths that Ali went to?

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5. Ali plans to flee

ITV

Later next week, Michelle returns home and finds Ali with his bags packed, ready to escape his troubles on the cobbles as the pressure is intensifying.

James Burrows, who plays Ali, told us this week: "I think he's just scared. He's paranoid. He doesn't know what's going to happen. He probably thinks he's going to get arrested for it. He's in a place he's never been before.

"It's completely out of character for him. I don't think he knows what's going through his head."

6. Ali's downward spiral begins

ITV

Corrie recently sparked some speculation over Ali's longer-term future when the show's digital team posted up a couple of advance filming pictures online, showing him with bottles of alcohol each time. Fans quickly realised the show was teasing a possible downward spiral for Ali – and now it seems that we know why.

Could Ali start hitting the bottle to ease his guilt, and if so, what kind of impact will his self-destructive behaviour have on his family?

7. The Connors find out?

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ITV

Although there's been no official word on whether Ali confides in anyone about his actions, it is Soapland and it's surely only a matter of time before it all comes out in the wash.

Speaking about Michelle's possible reaction recently, James teased: "I think Michelle would react in the way that any mother would react – in complete and utter shock. Whether she accepts the reason why he's done it or not, is a different story."

And on Ryan's likely response, James added: "It's quite fun with me and Ryan. There's always been that love/hate relationship. There was a lot of hate to start off with, but afterwards there was some banter between them. I really enjoyed playing that, but I think there's going to be more mixed emotions and hatred between them now.

"But in the long run, what I hope gets played out is that Ryan will understand what Ali has done and that might bring them closer together."

8. Abi in trouble?

ITV

The crash drama causes ripples elsewhere on the Street too, as the police have some questions to ask about why Michelle's car stopped so suddenly when she was being chased by Ronan. It's not long before fingers are being pointed in Abi's direction, as she worked on the car at the garage shortly before the accident.

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Corrie fans know that Tracy Barlow tampered with the car on the morning of her wedding when she briefly wanted revenge against Abi. Kate Ford, who plays toxic Trace, has already confirmed that she'll guiltily sit back and watch her friend take the blame as she fears the consequences of confessing herself.

Tracy's selfish behaviour sparks a new downward spiral for Abi, who hits the bottle as she fears she'll never get her young kids Charlie and Lexi back now. Another fine mess you've caused, Tracy...

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.

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